Lucky Tsotsi Shebeen and Bar

About Lucky Tsotsi Shebeen and Bar

Those familiar with African town life will know what a shebeen is, while those of us not so lucky to have experienced these makeshift eateries and watering holes need to high-tail it quickstep to Darlinghurst’s hottest new street food restaurant and bar, Lucky Tsotsi. The flavours and vibe alike are all South African shebeen, while the excitement that this novel venue has generated is all Sydney, with the city’s foodie thrillseekers always on the lookout for something new. Find Lucky Tsotsi Shebeen & Bar along Oxford Street, close to the junctions with Darlinghurst Road and Victoria.

Mains

PERI PERI CHICKEN N' CHIPS

PEMBA PREGO ROLL

LUCKY'S BBQ PORK RIB RACK N' CHIPS

More about Lucky Tsotsi Shebeen and Bar, Darlinghurst

No kidding, Lucky Tsotsi was born of three South African brothers named Lucky, Fortunate, and Goodwill. With names like those, Sydney’s barflys can expect more than a warm welcome at this traditional, vibrant shebeen and bar. Thankfully, the commute to Lucky Tsotsi’s location along the Darlinghurst stretch of Oxford Street is an easy ride, with or without a calabash. And when you do arrive, you’ll be bowled over by the riot of colour and music and, lest we forget, bold and flavourful South African street food and a long list of refreshments of the licit drinky kind (we should note that shebeens were once largely illegal speakeasies).

Dining and drinking at Lucky Tsotsi is, as it should be and as it is in shebeens back in Africa, all about communing with friends and making some noise. Just looking at what’s on offer at this unique Sydney South African restaurant and bar, there’s plenty to celebrate. Starting small, share and snack selections like Sipho’s Durban Samoosas are a Saffa-style delicacy served with Mrs Balls chutney. Bigger appetites or just those with more friends than you should opt for the Oom Karels African Platter: biltong, dry wors, Cape fruit and nuts, and bhuja mix. Next up the ladder at Darlinghurst’s one-and-only shebeen are the Kinda Hungry and Really Hungry menus. Pick Lorena Maria’s peri peri, lemon and spice half chicken, Mozambique-style, or the pap ‘n’ wors plate, with South African boerwors sausage in gravy over mielie-meal pap. Of course, there’s a range of South African wines and beers without peer along Oxford Street, leavening a good list of domestic and international faves. Next time you book, don’t forget to check out the cocktails – the Dawa, from Kenya, is a magic potion not unlike a caipiroska and a honeyed way to round of or wind up a meal at Lucky Tsotsi shebeen and bar.

13 Lucky Tsotsi Shebeen and Bar Reviews

Excellent

5.4/6

13 Reviews

Food:Heavenly

Noise:Quiet

Service:Friendly

Waiting time:Short

Atmosphere:Entertaining

Quality/price:Cheap

"Excellent"6/6

Laura M.a year ago · 1 review

Lovely food and staff! We ordered chicken wings as appetiser (it's a must!!) , bunny chow with chicken and the whole peri peri chicken with chips as mains. Really too good !!!

"Excellent"6/6

Peter M.a year ago · 1 review

We went there on a Groupon voucher. Cynical me thought that there'd be a catch. Wrong!!
Everything was as promised. Plenty of food. And great tasting too. The Bobotie is amazing.
Admittedly you only get one beer/wine each but there weren't any restrictions on which one that was (yeah, I really am THAT cynical). Only shortcoming was that it was pretty lightly patronised and so the atmosphere was a little underwhelming. But I reckon it'd be an experience on a Friday or Saturday night.

"Excellent"6/6

Lauren P.2 years ago · 1 review

Best meal I have had out in a long time, everything was DELICIOUS!
The staff were also great! We have been telling everyone, and can't wait to come back again

"Excellent"6/6

Erica V.2 years ago · 1 review

Great authentic decor and atmosphere, the food typically South African. Would recommend the bunny chow and Mozambique chicken. The ribs were meltingly tender although covered in a little too much BBQ sauce for our liking

"Great"5/6

Mouy Hok T.2 years ago · 6 reviews

Nice cozy joint. Very family friendly as 3 families with kids came to eat dinner whilst we were there. Snails were way better than expected and I recommend it to those who can get past the thought of it. Chicken Wings weren't anything special but the ribs were nice albeit a little too saucy for my tastes.

"Great"5/6

Leighton D.2 years ago · 1 review

Nice nostalgic interior with lots of African brand paraphernalia and a wide selection of African beers. Tried the Boerwors, Samoosa and Bunny Chow, which were satisfying and very filling. The restaurant was not too busy around 6pm, but started to get busier from 7pm onwards. A great place to order meals for sharing!

"Excellent"6/6

Simone R.2 years ago · 1 review

Loved it! Great venue great staff great vibe. Had a great experience. Staff offered us complemtry shots also was very on board with topping up the wings! We love it!

"Great"5/6

Meryl R.2 years ago · 1 review

A perfect opportunity to introduce guests to typical South African cuisine and hospitality! Good relaxed vibe, appropriate music and decor, great food, table service, ample seating and does not close early. A great night out!

"Great"5/6

Nadine F.a year ago · 1 review

Fantastic service and delicious food. It reminded me of my childhood. The Pap and Gravy and the Bobotie was delicious! The Apple Sour was a blast from the past too. Well done!

"Excellent"6/6

Dylan E.3 years ago · 1 review

Customer service was outstanding and the food was awesome. Even got a free round of chappie infused vodka shots. Will definitely be back, thank you.